Which class of eye drops can cause systemic hypotension if absorbed and should be used cautiously in patients with asthma or COPD?

Which class of eye drops can cause systemic hypotension if absorbed and should be used cautiously in patients with asthma or COPD?

• A. Non-selective beta-blocker eye drops
• B. Prostaglandin analogs
• C. Alpha agonist eye drops
• D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Answer: (A)

Non-selective beta-blocker eye drops can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause systemic hypotension by blocking beta receptors throughout the body, including the heart (beta-1) and the lungs (beta-2). In the heart, beta-1 blockade lowers heart rate and blood pressure; in the lungs, beta-2 blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction, which is particularly risky for people with asthma or COPD. That combination—possible systemic blood pressure drop with potential bronchospasm—makes this class the one you’d use with extra caution in those patients. Prostaglandin analogs, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have different side effect profiles and are not as strongly associated with both systemic hypotension and bronchospasm risk. An important practical note is that systemic absorption can occur with topical drops, so clinicians often choose alternatives or use measures to limit absorption when needed.

Non-selective beta-blocker eye drops can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause systemic hypotension by blocking beta receptors throughout the body, including the heart (beta-1) and the lungs (beta-2). In the heart, beta-1 blockade lowers heart rate and blood pressure; in the lungs, beta-2 blockade can lead to bronchoconstriction, which is particularly risky for people with asthma or COPD. That combination—possible systemic blood pressure drop with potential bronchospasm—makes this class the one you’d use with extra caution in those patients. Prostaglandin analogs, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have different side effect profiles and are not as strongly associated with both systemic hypotension and bronchospasm risk. An important practical note is that systemic absorption can occur with topical drops, so clinicians often choose alternatives or use measures to limit absorption when needed.